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Theology Courses

  Seminary  OF St Pius X

Theology Courses 

We welcome those who feel they have a vocation to the office of Deacon or Priest in the S F M to contact us. We do in keeping with the rules as laid down by the Roman Catholic Church accept married  men but only to the Office of Deacon. No age upper limit is imposed but you must be at least 18 years before you start training with us. Education is important and a minimum of 5 or so Ordinary O level or Irish Leaving Certificates  or High School Diploma is usual but we will consider those with other qualities as personality is as important as education. The first Apostles were not degree holders but they seem to have made a good job of spreading the Good News. The norm is outlined below but each candidates is judged on their overall merits.

If you are Called as a Seminarian or already a Priest  and want to join S F M please download our Enquiry Form in the format of your choice and send same by attachment to Vocationone@aol.com

Enquiry Form Pdf

Enquiry Form Word Doc

We are pleased to offer a variety of Theology Degree and Divinity Courses by Distance Learning Format.  Our most popular is the S T B which is a Bachelor of Sacred Theology which is primarily a good all round vocational degree equivalent to a Bachelors in Theology at l. It can be followed by those who wish a good all round degree as it was initially intended for the ordained ministry. However, due to its tailored structure of modules, prescribed readings, assessment method it has grown in popularity to have a wide cross section of all denominations enrolled on this course. It comes with 5 texts books and the Course itself. It  is very cost effective for a good all round comprehensive degree course. It is a very interesting Course and easy to follow. Its main aim to enable you to function as a priest You will be required to follow at your own pace the Texts and write an Essay on each topic. Provisions to update to a BA Honours is in place but further secular courses in another discipline i.e. Religious Studies must be completed. Full transfer credits are allowed provided they are well documented and come from a reliable source which must be checkable. A Masters and Doctorate by study, thesis and dissertation  are also available. Candidates  who have already a Degree in Theology, Divinity or Religious Studies  will still need to complete the Catholic  Bachelor of Sacred Theology  Degree but will not need to present a Final Thesis

Degree Course Bachelor of Sacred Theology (Honours) S T B

 TH402 Introduction to the Old Testament TH403 New Testament Survey

TH580 Theological Foundations TH581 Philosophy of Human Existence TH582 Doctrine TH583 Comparative Religions TH584 Christology TH585 Church History TH586 Ecclesiology TH587 Sacramental Theology TH588 Christian Morality TH589 Spirituality TH590 Mary and the Saints TH591 Eschatology Course based on M Scott Peck writings "The Different Drum" Stages of Spirituality Course based on Early Church writings The Didache Bibliography Old Testament Cliffs Notes Charles Patterson ISBN 978-0-8220-0949-8 New Testament Cliffs Notes Charles Patterson ISBN 978-0-8220-0880-4 Catholicism by Professor Fr. Richard P. McBrien ISBN 0-6-065405-8 Different Drum by M Scott Peck ISBN 978-0099780305 Early Christian writings ISBN 978-0 Suggested Reading: Books are NOT included in the Course but can be ordered are listed below.

 Dictionary of the Liturgy ISBN 089942-273-X, Teney New Testament Survey ISBN 00/8028/3611/9, Gospels in Modern English & The Young Churches in Action By JB Phillips The New Testament Gospels and Acts of the Apostles Collins, Bon Hoeffers Heritage ISBN0/340/51477/9 From Sinner to Servant: One Man's Journey to Becoming a Permanent Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church - Paperback (1 Dec 2006) by Albert L. Feliu Deacon Training: A Two-Party Study Guide: A Self-Study Plan and A Pastor-Directed Plan (Paperback by Kate F Ward-Turner (Author) The Liturgical Ministry of Deacons - Paperback (20 Jun 2005) by Michael Kwatera

The  STB is seen as a vocational degree and the Masters a more academic degree but both complement  each other and are validated by  both Seminary and an Independent University.  We do not have a final Exam as we prefer that students work at their own pace and provide the necessary essays. Course work and directed reading are the norm and each chosen module must be completed before moving to the next.  This provision is only for the S T B but note their is a requirement for a final exam or Thesis for Masters Level

Training for the Priesthood

S T B or Bachelor of Sacred Theology

The Theological Education which  candidates for the priesthood usually undertake and complete is a 120 credits course which is a vocational degree and is primarily intended to cover the overall gaps in the candidate's career. The candidate himself will be well motivated to enable them to undertake a mission in their own locality, they will need to have a regular income as no salaries are paid and they need to be people with vision for their apostolate together with a compassion for those in our society. Roman Catholic Priests would not be re-ordained but would be incardinated into the S F M. You will need to have a sense of humour and be able to demonstrate that you can cope with any situation, you will be expected to show sympathy, understanding and concern for all people and a priestly and prayerful response to those who turn to you for help. You will also be expected to understand the sacraments and the spiritual response that these sacraments generate, and you must feel called to the ordained ministry.  

Candidates are asked to familiarise themselves with the Catholic Church tradition there are many wonderful educational sites which tell in full the history of the various communities which make up the Catholic Church. Within this Church, are the Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Old Roman Catholic

 No age limit is imposed, but applicants must be fit and healthy with good motivations and a strong will to succeed in their mission. Applicants will need to provide a letter or recommendation from their bishop. In most cases the Bishop allows the freedom to celebrate the Mass  in the language of   their congregations. At the moment our main concern is to foster and encourage devotions in the UK and Ireland.   Do email me with any comments or questions Fr Anthony  catholicsite@inbox com    See contact page for more links for study ,information  and formation information

  Dear Lord Jesus.

Let us always remember our brothers and sisters no matter the brand name as Christians as been equal to ourselves, deserving the same respect and dignity we show ourselves.  We should show the same love and respect to our Hebrew and Islamic neighbours and those of other Faiths and Philosophies  as been all in the Family of God